Bombing armament for aircraft



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BOMBING'ARMAMENT FOR AIRCRAFT Nov. 16, 1948.

Bliled Feb. 15, 1945 Nom, @NN Q vm;

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' Nov. 16, 1948. c. c. sLATE. v 2,453,870

y BQMBING ARMAMENT Fon AIRCRAFT Filed Feb. 15, 1943 s snets-'sneet 2 Nov. 16, 1948. c. c. sLATE I n BOMBING ARMAMENT FOR AIRCRAFT 3 sheets-sheet s Filed Feb. 13, 1943 NQ NEQQ o@ oi the bomb shackles inoperative.

Patented Nov. 1.6, 1948 Claude C. Slate; Burbank, Calif., assigner to yHughes Tool Company, Houston, Tex., a corporation of Delaware f Application February 13,1943, seria1No.475,71'9

12 Claims.

The present inventionis .directed to an apparatusv .commonly known w as a bomb rack vtogether* with associated mechanism employed in .an aircraft for transporting and releasing aerial bombs. ,The general object of my invention is to improve upnthe arrangement disclosed in my copending appucation, .serieu No. 405,010, med l August 1,

11941, entitled Bomb-carrying apparatus `for aircraft.

In .such an arrangement the mechanism for releasingbombs frornthefaircraft is not entirely unarmed state to fall harmlessly, and armed or livestate for detonation. In the present arrangement I propose to `give the bombardier or pilotthe choice of three states. YThe bomb may be released in` unarmed state to ,fall harmlessly, or released in armed state for detonation on impact, or as a third choice may be released in armed state for delayed detonation.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will beapparent from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings.

incorporated `in the structure ofthe bomb rack per se, but insteadis largely contained in individualshackles, each `shackle being adapted, on one hand, for releasableengagement with a bombifand adapted, on the other hand,` for vrev leasable mounting on the bomb rack of the aircraft. In the loading procedure, a shackle separate and apart fromthe bomb rack is engaged with abomb and .then thebomb with the attached shackle is hoisted to a. station on the bomb rack. Asthe bombis hoisted into place,` two 4ltru'nnions. on .opposite ends of the attached shackle pass upwardly through complementary guide channelsl in rails or frame members f the bomb rack and each station on the bomb rack is provided with means to automatically engage the shackle trunnions .for support ofthe bomb.

One `object 4of the presentin-ventiomas willbe explained later, is to fnacilitateentrance oi the shackle trunnions into the guide channels of the bomb rack. Theretofore the task of introducing the trunnions into thewguide channels has been somewhat awkwardespecially, under condi-` tions of poor li-ghting oftenmet in wartime.

Another object` of the present improvement is to preclude reversal of a` shackle in the bomb rack. The mechanism in each shackle is controlled by complementary mechanism on the bomb rack, the necessary operative connection between the two complementary mechanisms being effected through the trunnions of the shackle. If the trunnions of a shackle are reversed with respect to the bomb rack, the necessary connections with the 'control mechanism4 are not `accomplished and `the bomb shackle remains inoperative. It. is unnecessary. to stress the extreme hazard of undertaking a bombing flight withkany One specific object of my invention is to provide mechanical obstacles to inadvertent reversal of bomb shackles and a feature oi my invention is the concept of providing for ythe sake oi'safetyl twosuccessively effective blocking meansfor'each shackle to pre- Vent such reversal.

A further objeerof` the invention is to provide greater exibility in bomb .control with respect to arming of the released bomb. Inthe arrangement disclosed in' myy copending `application,

bombs may bev dropped in two states only, namely,

In the drawings, vvwhich are to be considered as illustrative only,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective showing my bomb apparatus and associated mechanism as installed in an aircraft;

` Fig. 2 Iis a View ini side 4elevation 'partly `broken away showing a control lever lfor the bomb-releasing mechanism;

Fig.,3 is a viewv partly in elevation and partly p in section showing a shackle mounted on the bomb rack in engagement v with a bomb,V the shackle being electrically disconnected;

Fig. liis `-a fragmentary view in sideA elevation showing the trunnion of a properly positioned l"shackle being Iintroduced into a guide channel l of the bomb rack;

Fig. 5 is a sectionalview taken as indicated by the line 5 5v of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 illustrating the rst obstacle encountered when an attempt is .made to "install an inadvertently reversed shackle;

' tion'of the bomb rack;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentaryview partly broken away illustrating 'the second obstacle encountered when an attempt is made to mount an inadvertently reversed'shackle;

Fig.g8riswan enlarged `frag-ment of Fig. 3 showing various positions of an arming lever in the shackle mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section taken as indieatedby the une 9 9 Vof Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is atop view'partly in section of a por- "Figy 11 is a view similar to Fig. 3 illustrating theemergency release oi a bomb'in unarmed state Va hoisting clamp; and

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the shackle showing the configuration of a grip portion designed tolbe engaged by the clamp.

, The general arrangement Fig. 1 shows a forward control linkage generally designated 29 leading rearward to a frame or bomb `rack generally designated 2l for installation in the bomb bay of an"V airplane (not shown) andshows eight bombs' B Vheld by individual In the arrangement described in my 4copend'i'ng application, a lever for controlling the bomb rack mechanism is movable to four operative positions. In the present system thecOntrol lever 222 is-rnovable to five positions, namely,..1a normalgposition at which the doors of the bomb bay are closed and all the bombs are locked against release, thearrangement being such that any bomb accidentally released will be released in unarmed state; .afdooropening position at whch the bomb-release mechanism is .stilllockednarst ring position .at '.whichthe shackles are .unlocked to permit.opera .Itionior. releaseof thebombsin response to acon- ..tr.c l..fcircut,` the arrangement beingsucn that the .releasedbombsare armed. fordetonation on imxpact; asecondfiring position atwhichtheshackle sunitsareunlocked topenmitnperation for release "of the bombsin. response .to the-controly circuit, .the arrangement .;.b.eing, such that ,the released ...bombs arearmed. lor. delayeddetonation; andan emergency position.. towardwlchthe .lever may beshifted ..v'v.l1ile\.the` doors..of. .the bomb .bay are still opento release the bombs.consecutively.by .mechanicaliactiomtheearrangement being such ,lthatthe bombs arereleasedin .unarmedstate to fall' harmlessly.

y .As ndicatedin.Figs.1,.3,.and 11, .each of the f ,.bombsB has .agpairoi spaced metal support loops 23 adapted to enter slots 25 .inthe lower edgeof a shackle S .for engagement therein by suitable ,bombeengagement means generally .designated ,f1-E26. The. bomb', hasa forwardairwheel or-,spinner `21 and a rearwardspinnerl similarin-.construc- ...tion y.to rotary propellers,..the .rearward spinner 'being inside a .tail lassembly '130. Each .bomb is n provided.. witl'rl two ,separate,..arming. means inY the form of a"rst wire3l normalglyhaving-its-louter e e11d. positioned.to,.block .rotation .of the forward spinner'Zl and a secondWireSSZ. normally. having its. outer. endpositionedto. block rotation Yof the rearward spin-nerIZ. `.'IThe.'.forWarl d.wire 3l .ends `t a'leonorarmingringl'33 adapted to extend into "a slot`34" inthe shackle' to be engaged therein-,by .an arming member.35, and the. rearward wire'32 "'jlikewise is provided withaloopon arming ring- .36 adapted l.to extend into.. a second slot i3d for .en-

" eagement" therein by. afsecondarmng. member 31. Whether .or nota bomb'r'eleasedbya shackle is 'jarmed fdepends upon whether on notgthe. arming L' rmembers'35-and3'! retain one orboth ofthe ar-m- .ing rings .33 and 36,,therebyseparatingone or b'othof the wires3 I. .andl32 from the' .bomb tapermit one or .both Aof "thespinnersfZ'L and? 28. to` rotate asv the bomb 'drops through the air. .Itisconternlated that in the rst firing position of thecontrol I The frame. 2 Linthe. bomb...bay,.of .the aircraft Iincludes on .each`- side .a pair .of,..parallel frame i members or, rai-lsdadapted toserveas. tracks. for

the shackles. For example, each of the rails may provide a longitudinal guide channel 40 V.,sllown. in section in Eig.10and.each .shackle S may have a,y pair of projections lin the form of 5 tubular trunnions 4I dimensioned to slide in the :channels 40. Preparatory to loading a bomb, a shackle separated from the bomb rack 2| is moved laggressivelyagainst the bomb to cause the bomb .iloops..23 to aggressively enter the slots 25 and ---.thereby.^cause.the engagement means 26 in the shack-lato automatically engage the bomb.

Any suitable hoist means may be engaged either Iwith thebombfor with the shackle. At each ...shackle station along each guide channel 40 is mounted suitable means for engaging the shackle, which meansrasbestgshown in Fig. 9, may.,com ..prisethe combination of a pvote'd support .arm .45 anda .pivotedlockingarm46. The arrange- .,ment is suchlthat both arms'45 andli at a shackle gostation.automatically retract to,permit upward movement Aof La' shackle trunnion through the shackle station, butj..become effective automaticallygtoengage and lock a shackle .trunniongwhen the trunnion is moved'downward into theshackle .25 ,station. Inthe .loading,procedure each shackle in turnisgllfded upjthepair of channels to a level above a fdesired shackle lstation andthen lowered hinto.. final. locked position .at the station.

'chanical means including. a VVslide/rod*generally .designated '41 thatris automatically responsive to the .previously mentioned controllinkage- 20 forther'elease of bombs. Thesliderodill extends into one of the two. trunnions V*4 I kandfwhenr the shackle is properly mounted ,onthe-frame I-2 I -at a shacklestaton, the endpofithegslide rod w/41 is opposite an operating.. member 1in-'the form of a .plunger 48.0ngthe frameZ I;"the'operating.p1unger 48 being operatively .connected yto the 'control 40 linkage' 20. 1

.Each shackle also houses "electricallyeactuated meansy includinga solenoidiw that may be en- :ergizedby a control vcircuit'to releaseybombs.l For .electrically connecting' the shackle, tojthe'control circuitinthe airplane, two 4complementary littings are provided;onejiitting-SU xedly mounted inthe otherof"theitwo'shackle- .trunnionsf4 I and a second tting l' mountedjon'a plungerl52; atthe shackle station. The l, plunger 5 2 :issurrounded bya suitablefspringfESjt'hat urges the plungerto- `wardthe 'shackleftrun-nion. :Theplunger 52V carries artransversebarffSS-adaptedfor engagement by a jpivoted latch: -lever `-56 `toh'old the` tting -or rvelectrical connectingmeansfil in cocked and -in- "eiTective-position-asshown in Fig. 3. Thebar -5g5- has `-a slot5 F11-in its' upper endthrough which r`the latch lever`\56 lexteridsf-thelatch lever being adaptedy to releasably' engagethe" lower edge j of 'the slot.

60 'Whenthe-electricalfconnecting means ortting V5 l is 'released from'zits ineffective cockedjposition, theI spring 53 Acauses y longitudinal,` movement -of 'the plunger. "If at 'such `time a shackle is mounted .lat the shackle station, the released electrical con- G5 necting means "5l stops`v atan eiective position shown in Fig.' vllin engagement with fthe jtting j 50, thereby. connecting .thesolenoid 49 with.. the control circuit onthe aircraft. In theabsence of. a,- 'shackle atjfthe.shackle. statiomytheneleased 470 plunger continues to move inwardly..to..a.third .orblocking position (not shown) ,-.at.which blockingposition the A.electricalconnecting means l.5| extends.intofthav channel '40 to bar.. any. .passage ...ofla shackle trunnionupw'ardthrough.the shackle station. -It is apparent that ...this .arrangement iorces a memberof-the loading crew to .cock an electrical connectingmeansl .prior to any movement of `a shackle into ori through theicorrespondr; ing shackle station, and if allof the shackle sta- :tions are utilized` in aloading procedure,` all of` nbhe,electricalconnecting means are necessarily cocked inthe course of theprocedure. Since the upper shacklestations 'are loaded first and since each upper. bomb must; pass through all of the stations below, all of the electrical connecting means 5I are.cocked as soon as the twouppermost lbombs ,on opposite sidesof the frame are mounted forflight. 1

Elli interlocked with the control linkage to rei `On each side ofthe frame 2l is a release rod -,1ease automatically all of the cocked electrical connecting means5l wheneverthe doors oi the bombnbay of` the aircraft are closed at the end lof..aploadingprocedure. llhe human element,

then, does not enterinto the question of whether rvor not` all shackles in the bomb bay are electricallyconnected tothe control circuit. i

Whenever an electrical connecting means 5I is released in the absenceofa shackle at a shackle fstation,A the vresultant movement of the electrical connecting means to thejthird or blocking posi- .ftothe next shackle station in the `predetermined sequence of stations.` Inside each shackle is a` tion causes the transverse ba-r 55 to press against i and operate a skip switch Bil, the skip switchbeingmoved from a first position to a second positionL toicause the-control circuit to be connected second skipswitch 63'that'is moved from a first positiontoa second position whenever` the solenoid `49 isv deenergized andatithe same time the '.bombengagementmeans `26 of the shackle is in releasedposition, the second skip switch likewise causing the control circuit to be connected 3 pto the "next shacklestationrin the '.sequence. In i5 otherfvvords,` when a bomb isin'stalled at a shacklev i station, the second skip switchiS 'in the shackle isfmade eiective to switch thecontrol'circuit to ...the next station when the solenoid in the shackle iis energized to release the bomb `and then is de- ;,energized-afterthe. bomb `isreleased..` `It is apparentthatithe inclusion of skip switches 3| and 1 S3 inthe control circuit causes the control.` cir- .cuit to `be,I adjusted automatically -to the number `andgcnlistriltilltionof bombs in 'theV bomb bay when the airplane takesfoi. `Whatever shackle stations e areloaded with bombs are .made automatically responsive to the control circuit in sequence. An indicator orsiglal sWit'chSll in each shackle controls a corresponding indicator1 light (not shown) to indicate to the bombardier that the shackle station ls loaded, the switchbeingresponsive to Thetwo arming `members 35 and31 normally ...only yieldingly engage the corresponding arming ringsn33 and 35 respectively, soi that the two ...arming rings may easily `escape if the bomb is releasedl `The sliderod 41 controls an arming Af" 4leve'rlEE` is movable to four positions.- Wheneverthe control linkage 23 is in either `its first or Asecond position, i. e., in its normal position or its.

door-opening position, the slide rod 4l approxij.mates the normal position shown in Fig. 3,`and i at such time the slide rod blocks either electrical or accidental .release by the bomb-engagement means l2liand also holds the arming lever 65 atl an ineective ipo'sitionf with r'espectito both the `arming` members 35 and 31.

This particular inueffectiveposition of .the arming lever B5 is `shown in Fig 'Sra'nd-*isshown inl-solid lines infFig. 8.

f If a"1bombweretofbe released underthese condi i tions by structural failure, the two arming 'rings 33 and36 on the bomb would readily escape from .the shackle and the released bomb would not be armed for detonation.

In theirst ring position of theslide rod 41, the dotted position 58 in Fig. 8 corresponding to the first i'iring position of the previously men- ;tioned controllever 22, the bomb-engagement means 26 .-is free to release a bomb in response to energization of the control circuit on. the airplane. At such time the arming lever 65 blocks .release movement of both the arming members 35 andl 31 so that both the arming rings 33 and 36 oftheibomb are retained in a positive manner when the bomb is released. The retention of the arming ring 33 releases the forward spinner 21 igior rotation to arm the bomb forV detonation on impact, and in like manner the retention of the arming ring 36 causes the bomb to be armed for `or emergency position'shown inI Fig. 11 corresponding to theextreme emergency position. of the` control lever4 22, the slide rod causes the bomb-engagement means 26 to release the bomb in an emergency when explosion of the released bomb is not desired. It will be noted in Fig. 11 and in the dotted position 62 in Fig. 8 that the arming lever 35 is at this time swungclearof both arming members 35 and 31, thereby to permit both arming members to release both arming rings 33 and 36.

The various operating plungers 48 that control the various slide rods 41 in the shackles are in turn controlled by a cam bar 66 that causes the bombs to be drQDped successively in the predetermined sequence as the control linkage 20 progresses beyond the second ring position of the control linkage to the final emergency position.

The forward control 'linkage The previously `mentioned control lever 22 exy tends through a slot 61 in a small housing -68 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Associated with the lever 22 isa curved rack 'H in the housing 68, the curved: rack being mounted on a pair of spaced bolts 12 and being formed with a curved slot 13 having various recesses corresponding to various positions of the lever. One recess (not shown) is engaged by the lever 22 in the position of the lever shown in solid lines in Fig. 2, which position y corresponds to the normal position of the control linkage 20 with the doors of the bomb bay closed. A second recess .indicated at 14 in Fig. 2 corresponds tothe position of the control linkage 20 at which the doors of the bomb bay are opened, vtliefvarious shackles being locked against elecytrical release of bombs at this lever position.

When the lever is moved from engagement with the recess 14 to a recess 15 corresponding to the first ring position of the control linkage 20, the shackle mechanisms are unlocked to permit re- -lease of the bombs in response to energization Aff the control circuit. When the lever 22 is advanced from the recess`15 to the next recess 16 corresponding to the-second nring position of the 'fearsome fcohtrollinkage,` the .various .mechanisms ini'the :ishacklesl remain responslvetof thefcontrolfoircuit. fnWhemtholeverifZZ isxadvance'd beyondfthefrecess 'I6 toward a lnal recess 171, litzfpassesxthrough a `range of positions in=vvhichltheavarious fshackles u are mechanically.operatedfin.successiorrtorelease ..zthez'tb'ombs .".The- 'control :lever V22 comprises Ltwo .parts #adapted f or 1 `relative .1 longitudinalimovement. vthe two:'parts: being `an. inner tubular'.rnember.` and fan.' voutertubular member 8 I yl2-he inner tubular member is mountedf'for simple. pivotalmovement .about aiixe'd axis andthe outer tubular member r8I'ifi-sf mounted. ;on the .inner tubularrmer'nber in a .sliding I. manner for longitudinal rmovement, =the i y `outer-tubular member 'carrying'.v atransversef lock- 1;-Iingf-ipinrfl86'ffor.cooperation. with the curved rack '3.11. -suitable yyielding meansfmot shown) vconltinuously 'urges the .outer .tubular `member .BI 1' towardf the pivotal 'axis of1tl1e1everlsofthat nor-.,-V m'ally the. locking.l pin i861 is urged towardengageementfvvithcone of the previouslyf-Imentioned'recesses :of .the curvedra-ckf'l I Normally, the lockiingrpinfis inone ofV therack recesses and` at 's1-ich'.timefthe outer tubular member 8| is. slightly f. retractedifromthe'outer: end of the inner tubular Lmember. .To vshift theleverv-'from'oneaposition to y another;thebombardier orpilot graspsthe handle portion of the outer tubular memberl'8l forlongivtuclinal movement of the outer .tubular member toy Azunseatthe.ilocking pin 86, andfto'facilitate such .Otherrparts of the control-"linkage shown infgr..y 1

`include' an operating. rod |33 thatilis connected'to .a roeker-arm-t34 on an .upper rocker shaft'lzt. The upper rocker shaft carries'twoadditional rocker arms IfB' from which a correspondin'gpair of'operating rodsv I3?` extend-s` over opposite sides roi' thebomb rack ZI'in'the vbomb .baynf'the air- "'craft.

4Ii/Iecham'sm on the bomb rack fAszshoWnt in `Fig. .f y10,` each` off the rails. 38 in the frame 2I' of the preferred form of the invention is an extruded '.beamizhaving'an outer side wall o,

MI, an inner side Wall |42, an interconnecting "web f I 4'3- andra secondary'web Mspaced from the interconnecting web, 'the secondarywebide'fining .Withithe-inner vside Wall M2 the previously men- -ftioned channel 40. A sheet metal housing I'llS is `connected at its longitudinal' edges to the side Wallsof'eaehrail' to cooperate Wit'hthe rail' in enc-losing various movable parts that are mounted r"on'the rails.

' 'As'" best` shown in Fig. 9 the previously menjtionecl support armiat each of thefshackle sta- `ltions 'ona rail'i38 ismounted'on a. pivot `I'lI'Vbetweenthetwo webs of. therail, the pivot being'to one side of the rail channel 401to, permit the. sup- `port arm toswing clcar,.of the channel. .A suit.

able vspringtd continuously urges the support .armfll into. the effective positionshovvn in.. full [lines 9. Thelocking. arm 4,6.,that. is .assov elated withthe support .arm l5 .atf-each-shackle l.station is mounted. on a -pivot I.50f.that :ls/.likewise `located to oneside'of., therail channeltorpermit n thelocking membertoswing. cleatoi thechannel.

Normally the `locking 1 arm #446.. -isv in the V`effective position shown in full lines in Fig. .9,1thewlocking armebeing urged; olockwiseby'a spr-ingeIEI'fagainst-t Va stop-pin F52. Whenfatrunm'onidfoa shaoklis fshown; in Jl'ig.`.11. IYIVI -in-.the shackles faire moved simultaneously in 'this'. manner ,.'whenever the .control linkagelZDl'is iimovedvbeyond g the door opening position :;of. the

infnorm-al'. position at 'the shaekle. stationfit rests finaacurvediseat'i53 formedin thesupport armf45 and .at .sueh"time the:associated. lockingfarml :overhangs' the trunnion to preveritaccidentaldis- 'lo'clgment of i the itrunnion. `:If;.a'shacklefsta.tion 4vfis notv occupied; theltrunnionaofea shackle-moving vupward into the vshackle .station willifiorcer-the ssupportxarm tofthe.'.clotte'ct .position ofi'Fig. 9;.fand

the Ltoe .I 55 zof the support farm strike `fthe '.locking"'arm146 v.and' force thel locking. arm .clear I'as ind-icatedfinIFigliQ. :'Aiterf ther trunnion :ofv the shackle is moved high enoughto permittheisu-pf port `.arm to swingt-back to normal". position,l the trunnionmay-be loweredsintonthe seats! 53-lw-hereupon? the :flocking :arm returns automatically-'rizo :its effective position. 'The .lockingl-armdBL-fat.one

:end of a mounted shackle may be manually'iswung 'out ofthewaytto vfree one Aof 'the shackletrunnions whichfmayf-then beraisedtol tilt the shackle y.out .of engagement-with the two mails-Without the necessity ofmovingtheshackle down the fraile-1 4to l.the entrance endsoffthe railfcnannels.

:Each offtherearmost operatingrodsv I.'3I. of? the control.l linkage T3261 is loperativel'yf associatedfwith .ione ofpthepairs ot:rails38 .on aside of 1the.bomb hay. As-shovvniniFigspand 1'1, each-of'ithe operating -rods |:37 controls .a rearwardfrockerarm "|56 and: a. forwardrocker .arm |551.'Y at/ftheA top fof 1 the-pair'of side rails.38,theitwo1arms being interconnectedfby .a rod :1158. The rearward-rocker :arm 1561s mounted-on onefen'd.of'alshaftfIBIl .ina-'bearing PIIS I 1. and .the 'other venilioi"y 'thefshaft carries arockerv-arm y[62 'thatriactuates1the'previuslymentionedcam bar "t6 through" the vmedium for 1 suitable link 1'I-63, rthe ulink'l being connected `section, Aslidinsfly `exten-ds :through brackets TIES 'that are mounted on .the/rear .rail atfeach :ofi'the shackle stations. Each vvofi-the .brackets vcarries -a vroller ISB .('1ig.3)fr :onlaxedlpivot- I61 forfrotary foontact ywith .the rear-of? the cam" bar. The 'previously mentioned operating plungerfdt -atf-each of lthe shacklastationsfor actuating e.. slide 'rod .41 in ashackle is. slidingly mounted" inH'af-lblock I 68 .atY the base of-thei correspondingl cam' bracket itBEfLand-carries.atits outer endarollerf'llfthe roller 'being 'mounted on. la suitable vpi-n- I 'I I V#that slidingly vextends "through guide slots I-12 'f in v:the

'arms of .the bracket. .a springll (Fligqll) isfprovidedto-continuously urgeieach of the operating-plungersflijoutward In the region ofeachfshackle station the for- -ward or cam 'edge-of the caml-bar- 66 E'formsv a dwell |16 that corresponds to the movement'of :.'the control 1inkage''20 between thenormal position ofthe control'vv linkage `with the Abomb-bay :doors-closed and the position of the controllinkageat the end of the opening movements-of the doors. Throughout thisr range of -movernent'on the part of the control linkage no'mechanical forces are transmitted tothe shackles by the Yvarious -operating plungersl. The 'dwells |16 areof uniform position and dimension at the various shackle stations `ian'df each .leads to a rise I 'VII-on the carnbar vthatcauses the operating Iplunger .'lift-o.- move inward suiciently to causethe slide frod 4'1 in the associated shackle'to move from' its -fnormal position'shown'infFigiS to a firing position All of the Various .slide 'rods 9 i Y control linkage represented Aby the `recess 14 in Fig; 2 to therst firing positionlof the control linkage representedbythe recess 15 in Fig.. 2.

Adjacent the rise |11 the cambar 65 vhas at each 'shackle station a dwell |18 `that representsV movement of the control linkage into the range of emergency positions of thecontrol'linkage. The dwells |18 at the various shackle stations vary "in length and each terminatesain arinal rise |80- that causes the associated operating plunger 48 tomove the slide rod 41 of the corresponding shackle from the ring position of the slide rod shown in Fig. 3 to the third or emergency position of the slide rod shown in Fig. 11. Each final rise |80 is followed by a nal dwell |8|. 'Since there is a cam bar 86 on each side of the bomb bay and since it is'required that thebombs be releasedv in an alternate mannerwith `respect to the two sides of the bombvbay, the sequence being upward, the rise portions 80 on the twocam bars are `arranged in staggered relation to carry out the predetermined'sequen-ce; f Y i Theforward rocker arm -|51 is carried by a bracket p |82 on a forward rail 38. l".lhe bracket |82 is bored to slidingly guide an inclined plunger |85. The plunger |85 is in the path of the rocker arm |51 and is continuously urged toward the rocker arm by a concealed spring, the upward movement of the plunger being limited lby a flange |88 on the lowerprotruding end of theplunger. Normally the vinclined plunger |85 is in the positionshown in Fig. 3, andthe rocker arm |51 does not aiect the inclined plunger unless the control linkage is moved into its door-closing position.V Whenever the bombardier'orpilot operates the control linkage20 topclose the bomb bay doors, the rocker arm |51swingsagainst the protruding -head of the inclined plunger |85 and thereby shifts the plunger longitudinally downward against a lever |90 atthe uppermostshackle station. The lever is mounted on a pivotvll adjacent the previouslymentioned latch lever 56 on the same'pivot. When the inclined plunger |85 rocks the lever |90, a laterally extending' pin |92 onthe "lever |90 .moves against an arm of the `latch l`ever5|i` to .trip the latch leverand therebyV releasesA thecorresponding `plunger 52 carrying `the corresponding electrical fitting 5 .v

Theouter arm `of the lever] 90 is pivotallyconnected `to the previously mentioned release rod 60 that extends downwardly to the various shackle stati-ons below. As `shown in Fig. 3 the release rod 60 is connected at eachshackle vstation to a lever |90 which is adaptedto tripfthe associated latch lever`55 at the` shackle station. Each latch lever 50 is Aurged toward itsjlatching position by a suitable spring |93. It willbe noted that the described arrangement permits each of the latch levers 55 to be tripped independently of, movement on the part of the associated lever |90, and it will 'be further noted thateach latch lever V55 extends through4 a slot |95` inthe sheet metal housing |46 so that the latch levers may be indi-` vidually tripped manually when desired.

` Each of `the plungers p52 `that carries the electricai mung 5| at a shackle station is of hollow construction and has van external handle.A |95 on a .stem- |91 that extends through thesheet metal h-ousing |48. Each of .the plungers 52 is slidingly vmounted in a cylindrical body |98 on the, rail 38. The previouslymentioned spring 53 that urges the plunger inwardly is enclosed in the cylindrical body |98.Y The electrical `fitting 5| thatis carried lby the plunger extends through 7a -circular aperture 200 in the rail 38 and is provided with a--radial flange 20| that serves two purposes, first, to receive pressure from the previously mentionedlsprlng 53 for urging the plung er inwardly, and, second, to abut the rail-around the aperture 200 to limi-t the inward movement -of the plunger at the previously mentioned third position of the plunger.` When the plunger is` inits third position, the portion of the transverse 'bar 55 extending downwardly from the plunger depresses an operating 4plunger 202 of the vpreviously'mentioned skip switch 6|. The switch 6|,

which is of a type known to the art as a micro .i

switch is normallyy in its :first position andis moved to its second position whenever the operating plunger 202 is moved inward. y

complementary insulated contacts (not shown) in the complementary"fittingv 50, thetwo ttings being designed to engage in telescoping` relation.

Detailed construction cfa shackle Eachrof the shackles S includes two separable complementary casing Vsections 2|5 `to form a suitable housing for the `shackle mechanism, the;v

two l.casing sections being rectangular in general conguration and having matched .marginal anges 2|6 to serve as top, bottom, and end walls. Each of the previously mentioned trunnions 4| .is acylindrical member witha peripheral groove 2.|1` for engagement by a complementary curved lip 2|8 on one of the previously mentioned support arms 45 on the frame 2|`. Each of the tribuunits include two rotary hooks 223` associated,

with each of the engagement slots 25 ofthe shackle units. mounted on pivots 225 and have operating arms 22B that are connected by suitable pins` 221 to; the opposite ends of a longitudinal member gen-` erally designated 228, the vlongitudinal member` serving to interconnect the two rotary hooks vfor, movement in unison. Adjacent each of theen-V.

gagement slots 25 the shackle unit is reinforced by a pair of complementary blocks 230, the blocks being on opposite faces of the rotary hooksv 22,3

and being cut away to provide working clearance for the rotary hooks. Each of the rotary hooks 223 has an engagement recess or mouth 23| which is open, i. e., in registration with the shackle slots 25 when the `engagement mecha-A nism is in released position as shown in Fig. 11.`

When the engagement mechanism is in its Ven`- gagement position to support a bomb, the rotary hooks are turned to the position shown in Fig. 3..

`The longitudinal member 223 interconnecting the two rotary hooks 223 may comprise a pairof spaced parallel straps 232 reinforcedA at each' end by shorter straps 233. At one end the two straps 232 are interconnected by rivets 235, each of which is surrounded by a` suitable spacer sleeve 231. A suitable coiled spring 238 acting in tension between one of the rivets 235 and a xed stud 21H1,` continuously urges lthe Alongitudinal member 228 to -theright as viewed in the draw- The two .rotary hooks 223 are Il?? ings;C thereby continuously urging.' the engage; ment mechanism toward." its releaselposition.

Th'ef'.. previously.1 mentioned :indicator switch 64" is '-,provided with. aliexible arm 24"I1that: lies in thepathof. movement` of one of i the .rivets 235. Vtfhen. the leIIga'gemen-tf Imechanism is`= in its. en-

gagement position as1shown in Fig.- 3, .the.rivetA 235 "iss spaced.. away from ther. flexible-1i armv 241 andthe indicator 'switch 64 iis. in its; first l.posi' tion` In the releaseposition of the'en-gagement mechanism: the rivet f presses-.against .the .flexible z armlZM." assh'owni' in. Fig. 11i andztherebyde-` presses 'la small :plunge1w2'42 ftohold the indicator switch! iGili-lin `its second positionnV Ati-the other end.offtheflongitudinal member 228 the two straps 232areinterccnnectedby. a.

pair oif'rivets.243i=tliatextend through afspacer bl'ock...2l5 and ith'erspacer: block is-formed 'with' an.' upwardly extending engagementkv shoulder 246. flr'stf'or primary sear 241 mountedon .a pivot 258, tliesear. having anengagement shoulder 25th-to cooperatewvith the engagement shou1der246 and. havingfa" downwardly Yextendingtoe 25 l; Iffthe longitudinal member 228 is moved from its release positiorrthrough' its engagement` position to a third limit position (not shown in the drawings); the longitudinal 4member or somer element movable therewithgstrikes the toe 25|v toy rotate-- tli'e"sear2'41`into the cocked position ofthe sear shown in Fig; Sto'blck'the return movement'of tlfielon-gitudinal memberat the engagement position'sliown in Fig.v 3.- In my preferred construction; the toe 25| fextendsvbetween the planes delhedbythe two ystraps 232 and is acted upon by th'ecurved end of the operating arm 226that extends upward from'one of the rotary hooks 223;"

Mounted in'the4 swinging lend of the'irst sear 241 isa pinY 253 that-is connected Vby"a-pair of parallel links 255-witlrasecond pin 2567in the end of an angular cooking lever 251.` The cooking lver'251 which-is mounted ona pivotv 258is frmedfwith a smallngerZG-that extendsv downward' tothe exterior of` the shackle for manual manipulation.'- At'the cocked position of the cocking'lever-shown inv Fig. 3 lanengagementshoulderZGi 'on the cooking lever is abutted by'n aI complementary vengagement shoulder262l of alsecon'd seargenerallydesignated 263;' Pref'- erably aA suitable spring 265 fwrapped around the pivot- 258fand anchored to` a stud 25W-continuously" urgesthecocking 1ever'251 towarditsrelease position' shown inv Fig. 11i

The described arrangement makes it possible the shackle is pressed'against1the support loops 23'fofftl'1`efbomb less vigorously'to yforce the ylongitudinal. member. 228:.to its' engagement position without acting on the-toe 251, and while the longi tudinalmember is in the. engagementposition thefpperator. manipulates the linger l 26u to rotate- Above theA longitudinal"member 225 is a l2 the cooking lever 251'counter-clockwise against', the opposition of the spring;y 265;the' counter# clockwiseY movement. .of the' cooking lever f beingr translated into clockwise rotationof the rstsear v 241 throughthemedium of' the interconnecting links 255. v

As -best shown '..in'fFig 3 AtheA second sea'r'Y 263;'. which'is mounted on `alpvot 261, haslan: operatfh ingl'arm 268; a kick-farm 210; and an engagement; arm'21l;` TheengagBmentarm .211 of the second; Sear in additionfto formingtthe.gpreviouslyfmen tioned engagement shoulder 262 carries a lateral.. pin 212. The previously mentioned solenoidf43A in the shackle hasamovable.A core (notshowin). from whichextendsfa plunger 213 to aetuatel an'i operatingy rod 214. TheA solenoid-plunger` 213.isVK formed with aclevis-215 `to enter'aclevis 218-.on. the inner end ofthe operating; rod 214-and con-- nection between the-plunger andoperating rod` isfeiiected by a cross pin 211. V'I'ie-crossgpin.211` not only extends-through'.the plunger. and l:operating rod but also throughtheoperatingarm- 268v of the second seafr 263. The outer end ofthe operating r0d..214is formed as-a--clevis278 that isconf nected byea pin 219 toa-AbellecranktZB.. Thebellv crankisinthe formof .a triangular plate mounted: on a pivot.28l and ispositioned.tofrotate against. an. operating plunger 282.-.for-controllingthe skip..y switch 63. y

Yieldingv means to urgefthesecondfsear. 263, clockwise-into. engagement with .ther cooking. lever 251 may be in the-.form .of alsuitableahelicalspring. 283. embracing the solenoid .plunger 213.betw,een. the solenoid 2 9. and .t theA clevis 215.'. Counter.- clockwise rotation of the second sear 263 from the engagement position. shown vin Fig.. 3 Anot only results in release of the. cooking lever.251., but also. hastensthe releasemovement ofthe engagement mechanism in apositive mannersince thekick arm 210l of the .second sear swings. against the .cooking lever.y Since the cockinglever 251'is connected. with the first sear 241'V through, the pair of links 255, the cooking'. lever throws thel first sear up.- ward inresponse tothe blowlfromtlie kickarm i 2.15? The cooking lever 251,' the pair of links 2551 lag andto cause extremely rapid releasing action in response toenergization of the. solenoid 49." Rapidity. ofthereleasing actionis furtherv favored by the fact that'th'eengagement shoulder 246"onthe longitudinal member l228`and the complementary engagementshoulder 250.0n the first sear'241, have inlinedfcontact faces, the inclina.- tion beingin-a direction to favor the release. action. By virtue of the particular design of the rotary hooksv 223 shown in the drawingsthe weight ofthelengaged bomb creates areleasing, moment onthe engagement mechanismv ofexceptionally high magnitude, favor exceedingly rapid releasing action onthe: partofthe two rotary hooks as soon; as the' longitudinal'member` 228 is releasedy bythe lrst'sear 241.-

The operating rodi-214 connected withthe-solenoid VI9 has three'positions, namely, a retracted Iposition whenv the solenoid isenergized, an intermediate position vwhen theI solenoid is deen'ergized while the second sear 263is cocked, and a third or limit positionto which it is urged by thef'spring 283 when the solenoid is deenergizedwhile the second sear is-uncocked. Wlrenevera bomb is re leased by the shackle'the spring 233X on -the-sol'e .IlQd' plunger automatically moves theoperati'ng rod 214 toits third `position and therebyforces the bell-crank 280 against the operating plunger 282 to move the skip switch 63 to open position.

The previously mentioned slide rod 41 i in the shackle has a cylindrical portion 285 that is guided by a bearing 286 and by a bushing 281in the associated trunnion 4 l. Embracing the cylindrical portion 285 is a suitable spring 288 that acts between the bearing 286 and a radial ange 29D to urge the sliderod outward. Unitary with `trudes slightly from the outer end of the associated vtrunnion 4l, as indicated in Figs. 4, '5, and-7;v v

:Theslide rod 41 is in its first position shown in Fig.\3 whenever the control linkage 29 is in either the normal closed-door position or in the open-door position represented by the recess 14 in Fig. 2. At suchtime the lockingshouldert293 of the blade `portion of the slide rod` is in the path of movement of the lateral pin 212 and consequently prevents rotation of the `second sear 263 by accidental energization of the solenoid 49. When the control lever22 is shifted outward from the recess 14 to the recess 15 representing the first ring position of the control linkage the plunger 48 at the shackle station moves the slide rod inwardly to a position at which the recess 296 in the blade portion of the slide rod is opposite the lateral pin 212 and at such time the recess 296 provides clearance for counter-clockwise rotation of the second sear 263 in response to energization of the solenoid. When the control lever 22 is shifted from the recess 14 to the recess 15,` the blade portion of the slide rod is still opposite the lateral pin 212 and the recess 296 still provides clearance for counter-clockwise rotation ofthe second sear 263 in response to energization of the solenoid. When the control lever 22 isshifted from the recess 16 to the nal recess 11, each of the slide rods 41 in the various shackles in its turn is shifted sufficiently to cause the inu clined cam shoulder 295 of the slide rod to engage andlift the lateral pin 212, thereby to rotate the second sear 263 out of engagement with the cocking lever 251, whereupon the previously described releasing action of the shackle mechanism is carried out automatically with extreme rapidity.

For operation of the arming lever 65, the blade portionofthe slide rod 41 is provided with a stud 298- that engages a suitable slot 396 on the end of the arming lever. Each of the previously mentioned arming members 35 and 31 below the arming `lever 65 maybe in the form of a small plate mounted on a pivot 3.91, the plate having an engagement ringer 382. A suitable spring 393 wound around the pivot 301 and anchored to a stud 385 yieldingly urges each of the arming members 35 and 31 to a normal position at which the engagement nger` 382 extends across the correspending arming slot `34 as shown in Fig. 8. A portion 306 of .each arming member normally protrudes ldownwardly from the shackle for mam ual manipulation by the loading crew whenever itis desirabletoV retract theengagement finger 302 to admit an `arming ring 33 or 36 of a bomb. It will be noted that in the normal position of an arming member 35 or 31, the engagementin-` gerv 302' presents aninclined surface in contact l with the corresponding arm ring 33 or 35 so thatv downward pressure by the arming ring tends' by a camming action to rotate the arming member' in a direction to release the arming ring.

When the control lever 22 is in either its normal position shown in solid lines in Fig. 2 or is in the door-opening position represented by theV recess 14 in Fig. 2, the arming lever 65 is at some ineieetive` position with respect to blocking? of either of the arming'members 35 vand 31. For example, the arming lever may be at the solid line position in Fig. 8 or at some other ineiie'cl tive position lnear thereto.' When the control lever 22 is shifted to the iirstring position represented by the recess 15 in Fig. 2, the arming lever moves to the dotted position 58 of Fig. 8, at which'postion the arming lever blocks releasing rotation of bothA of thearming members 35' .and 31. If a bomb is released accidentally or deliberately while the arming members `35' and 31 are free to rotate,the two springs 303 yield to permit releasing rotation of the arming mem-v bers, thereby to release the arming rings 33 and 36 to cause the released bombs to be harmless.`

At the position 58 of the arming lever 65; howl ever, the blocking of `releasing rotation of the two arming members 35 and 31 will cause both or the arming rings 33 and 36 to be retained when a' bomb is dropped. By virtue of this arrangement;r

energization of thesolenoid 49 while the control lever 22` is in the first ring position causes' 'a released bomb to be armed both for detonatiori on impact and detonation with delayed action.

When the control lever 22 is shifted to the second ring position represented by the recess 16 in Fig. 2, the arming lever 65 shifts to the dotted position 59 of Fig. 8 at which position the arming lever permits free rotation `of the arming member 35 but blocks releasing rotation of the arming member 31. If at this time the solenoid 49 is energized by the electrical control system to release a bomb, the arming ring 33 will be released but the arming ring 31 will be retainedto cause the bomb to be armed for delayed detonai tion only. i

The control circuit, as fully described in my co" pendingapplication, vis such that it adapts itself` automatically to the instant number and distribution of bombs carried by the aircraft. If anyone of the shackles is omitted, the corresponding outside skip switch 6l at the shackle station automatically operates to cause the circuit to jump to the next station in the sequence. If a shackle is inadvertently mounted at a station without a bomb, the bomb-engagement mechanism of the.

shackle being in release position Vcauses the corresponding skip switch 63 in the shackle to take its second position to cause current to `be delivered to the next shackle station instead of tothe solenoid in the shackle.

v' M ecms to prevent inadvertent reversal of a.

shackle At the bottom of the bomb rack, one of the rails is cut away as indicated in Figs. 4 and -5 to provide a lateral entrance 309 to the previously The two entrances 309 and 3H permitlthe,

ground crew to introduce the two trunnions 4I The otherofashackle laterally into the guide channels Ml:-`

If f the shack-le is 1in proper position, .the Y trunnion H` having the protruding plungerdl is f moved' into the-entrance 3109 andthecther trunnion-IHt which lacksany protruding; meansl is moved into,

Ifv the ground crew' member inadvertently causesthe protruding end of the plunger 47 to' beV retracted to lpermit 'the 5trunnion 1 tov passthe sharpredge 3I2, as indicated" in the solidI line positionfof the shackle infFig; 6, continuationfofvv thee-loading procedure will :bring into effect the' second stop means to-.call tov thelattention of the crewv member the incorrect positionof the' shackle: The second;stop means shown in Fig. `7'

comprises-a series of recesses' 315 "in the Wall=of the guide channel dvinlthepath of the endof thetplungeriz. Since the plungerlll is continu ouslyfur-ged outwardly rto the protruding position showninFig: 5; the plungerl'lM enters onezof theV recesses-3|5-to'encounter astop'shoulder 316 at theend ofthe' recess; Engagement-of the end of the-plunger Hf withv the stop shoulder' ."sl-ii` blooksyfurthe-r upward movement ofthe shackle through that: particularguide 'channel '40, as indicatedinFig. 7, therebyl causing the shackle and bomb to tipfas warning to the. ground crew. Fig; 7shows the shackle and bomb' in tipped posi# tion. Preferably, instead -of'using the usual sling to-llift a-bomb inthe described loading procedure', Iiiemploy'the loading'method' disclosedin my copending application; Serial No. 458,605, led kSeptember- 16,1942; which has matureddnto'Patent No. 2,436,405,l granted February24, 194:8,4 entitled Means for engaging and hoisting bombs-fandr other objects. In such preferredprocedure, the bomb is lifted by a clamp iny engagement' with the-shackle, the clamp permitting the bomb. to

tilt more 'readily thanthe usual sling.

Forcooperation with the novel clamp that is` generally designated vil I 9.' in :Figure 12, the casing ofzeach shackle Suis formedto provide a cylindricalfgrip-portion 320` shownin side elevation.

in Figurelzandin cross-sectionvinV Figure-13. As indicated clearly infliigureV 12,' this grip-por.- ton-32'll-'isnotv centered with respect to the two engagement recesses 23|. When such'ashackle is -correctlyengaged'with a bomb, the' grip-portion 320-"offtheshackle is directly'over the center of gravity of the bomb so thatithere yis no marked tendency for the bomb to tilt or pitch when lifted by the clamp 3I9. On-the other hand, since the grip-portion 320 is not centralized with respect to; thef` engagement" recesses 23 I, inadvertent reversalof the-'shackle relative to the bomb displaces the grip-portion 32D by 'a substantial distance'v from the center of gravity ofthe bomb to cause' the bomb` to tilt' stronglyy when lifted by therfclamp'. It'is'apparent, then, that in' the preferred-'practice of my'iinvention the' shackle constructionA inherently provides for warning the loading crew when the shackle is reversed inits engagement with afbomb.

Myv` disclosure in= specific'. vdetail c'ifthev pre-l ferred form ofr the invention will suggestE to"` those skilled in the artvarious substitutions'y and?? changes that do not depart from'my -basiczclon'-v cept, and I reserve the right toall: such variaf tions that lie within the scopeof my-appendedi'- claims. f

I claimlas-my invention: l

l.. An aircraft-apparatus for 'aerial bombs; com@y prising: a' bombrack providing a pair of'--trackV lmembers; a shackle for releasable engagement.

with a bomb, said shackle having a'pair offguidevl members for slidable engagementiwith saidftrackf members respectively; yielding means on ya mem-- ber of one of said pairs of members to block movement of said shackle into engagement with'l said bomb rackwhenf't'he shackle is'reversed withI respect Ato the bomb 'rack and meansfto control.

said-yielding means for'passageof'said shackle' in correct position to `engage thebomb rack-.- v v 2. An aircraft apparatus for aerial ibombs, com

prising: a bomb rack providing a pair of track members; a' shackle for releasable engagement with a bomb, said shackle having apair ofguida members for1 engagement with said track mem-f bers respectively; yielding means on a-member of: one-of-said pairs of membersto'block'movement of said shackle into'engagement'withsaid'bornb` rack when the shackle is reversed with respectsto the bomb rack; and means onva member -of the4 other of said pairs of` members toretract said-Y yielding means automatically when theishackle incorrect position is moved into engagementwitln the `bomb rack. l

3. An aircraft apparatusforffaerial bombs,- com--I prising: abomb rack providing a Lpair of trackmembers; a shackle for releasable engagementr with a bomb, said shackle having a pair of l guideA members'for engagement with saidv track'memw` bers respectively; stop means yieldingly extending. from a member of oneoffsaidpairs. ofmembersc cooperative'withamember of the-'other of said pairs of members when the shackle-is-reversed iny position'with respect fto the bomb rack to: block mounting movement of the shackle relative to the' `bombrackat a rstposition; additionalfstop' means operable during'said reversal'inf-position= for blocking mounting movement of said shackle' atV a'subsquent second' position in the'event the? reversedshackle moves past said first position; and means to render said stop means inoperative` when the shackle is move'din correct position'toJ engage the-bomb rack.

4. An aircraft' apparatus foraerial bombs, com-vv prising: a bomb rack providing right'and left up-All wardly extendingtracks; a shackle Afor releasable'r engagement with a bomb, said shackle having .right and left engagement meansv for moVably.en-' gaging Withsaid tracks; means yieldingly extend# ing from one of said 'engagement means to blocku movement-of 'the engagement 4means into `engagementwith'one -of said tracks when the shackle isreversed relative to the bomb rack; and means 'ati the entrance end of the other of said trackstotretract said -yieldinglyf extending meansr automati-A cally Vwhen the shackle is correctly applied'tov the bomb rack. f

5.y An aircraft apparatus for aerial ibom'b's, com'- prising: a bomb vrack providing right and left `up'- wardly extending tracks; la shackle for releasable' engagement with a bomb, saidv shackley having.v right'andfleft engagement means for mov-ably en gaging with said tracks; means yieldinglylvextending from one yof' said engagement means t'o 'block' movementcf-'the engagement; means 'ati the enetrancefend v#ofi one ofsaid tracks when'the sha'ckleis inadvertently reversed with respect to the bomb rack; at least one stop shoulder associated with said one of the tracks to block movement of said one of the engagement means if said yielding means is inadvertently retracted to permit engagement of said one of the engagement means with said one of the tracks; and means at the entrance end of the other of said tracks to retract said yieldingly extending means automatically when the shackle is correctly applied to the bomb rack.

6. An aircraft apparatus for aerial bombs, comprising: a bomb rack providing a pair of tracks; a shackle for movably engaging with said tracks; mechanism carried by said shackle for releasable engagement with a bomb, said mechanism including an operating member; yielding means to urge said operating member toward a position extending from the shackle; control mechanism on the bomb rack to engage said operating member when the shackle is correctly mounted on the bomb rack; and means on the bomb rack to block said extended operating member when the shackle is applied to the bomb rack while reversed with respect to said pair of tracks.

7. Bombing armament for aircraft, 4comprising in combination: means to support an aerial bomb having a quick-acting fuse and a delayed action fuse; means to release said bomb; arming means on said support for said quick-acting fuse; arming means on said support for said delayed action fuse; means to control said arming means; and a second control means, said second control means being movable on said support to a series of positions to actuate said bomb release means, and also to actuate said arming control means to arm both of said fuses when said second means is in one position, to arm only one of said fuses when in another position and to arm neither of said fuses when in still another position.

8. Bombing armament for yan aircraft, including in combination: means to releasably support an aerial bomb; means to release said supporting means whereby to drop said bomb; means normally effective to engage both a first relatively movable, quick detonation, arming means, and a second relatively movable, delayed detonation, arming means in said bomb, in a manner to permit release of both said arming means automatically upon accidental or emergency release of said bomb; and control means actuable by said release means and effective to cause said engagement means to engage said two arming means selectively in a positive manner. i

9. Bombing armament for an aircraft, including in combination: means to releasably support an aerial bomb; means to release said supporting means whereby to drop said bomb; a rst engagement means on the aircraft to normally yieldingly retain a first relatively movable, quick detonation, larming means in said bomb; -a second engagement means on the aircraft to normally yieldingly retain a second relatively movable, delayed detonation, arming means in said bomb; yand control means actuable by saidrelease means to block releasing movement of said two engagement means simultaneously, or one of said means selectively.

10. Bombing armament for an aircraft, includl gagement means on the aircraft to engage a first relatively movable, quick detonation, arming means in said bomb; a second engagement means on the aircraft to engage a second relatively movable, delayed detonation, arming means in said bomb; yielding means to hold both said engagement means in an engaging position, said two engagement means being adapted to open in opposition to said yielding means in response to release of the bomb` accidentally or in an emergency; and control means actuable by said release means to block releasing movement of said two arming means selectively.

ll. Bombing armament for an aircraft, including in combination:` means to releasably support an aerial bomb; means to release said support means whereby to drop said bomb; a rst engagement means on the aircraft to engage a first relatively movable, quick detonation, arming means in said bomb; a second engagement means on the aircraft to engage a second relatively movable, delayed detonation, arming means in said bomb; yielding means to hold both said engagement means in engaging position, said two engagement means being adapted to open in opposition to said yielding means in response to release of the bomb accidentally or in an emergency; and control means actuable by said release means movable to one ring position to release movement of both said arming means and movable to a second firing position to block releasing means of said second arming means only.

l2. Bomb supporting apparatus vfor an aircraft, comprising in combination: a bomb rack in the aircraft; and a shackle adapted for releasable engagement with an aerial bomb having support elements at positions non-symmetrical with respect to the center of gravity of the bomb, said shackle being adapted for engagement with said bomb rack to support the bomb, and having a single grip portion for engagement by hoist means for lifting the bomb into the aircraft, said grip portion being olf-center with respect to the shackle by an amount to place the grip portion over the center of gravity, of the bomb when the bomb is correctly engaged by the shackle, whereby said grip portion is substantially displaced laterally from said center of gravity to' cause the bomb to tilt strongly when the shackle is reversed in its engagement with the bomb, and then the shackle and bomb are lifted by said grip portion.

CLAUDE C. SLATE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,396,150 Weed Nov. 8, 192.1 1,893,232 Halsey Jan. 3, 1933 1,980,375 Bradshaw Nov. 1'3, 1934 2,341,457 Markey Feb. 8, 19.44

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 328,662 Great Britain May 5, 1930 406,477 Great Britain Mar. 1, 1934 490,028 Great Britain Feb. 1, 1938 666,812 France May 28, 1929 678,918 France Jan. 2, 1930 

